Where did Jeff go?
He’s moved to a new location. Check him out on the new blogging platform and let him know what you think.
Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > June > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Tuesday Countdown
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
10: I am not making this up: Big Brown, the horse, has been signed to a marketing deal on the chance he wins the Belmont, complete with his own Triple Crown logo. I also believe this means he will sign only Upper Deck cards and, yes, is dating Lindsay Lohan.
9: Travis Henry was released by the Denver Broncos because of his lack of commitment. Henry has nine kids by nine women in four states. So I guess this makes Mike Shanahan at least the 10th to fall for the, “Yes, I really, really love you,” line.
8: What’s the horse equivalent of, “Yes, I really, really love you”? Or when Big Brown starts hitting the singles barns after the Belmont, will he use the standard line with the fillies, “Yeah, I won a race with a cracked hoof. They wanted to shoot me. I said no”?
7: Don’t mind telling you - I’m meeting with Rick Sund Wednesday morning, and I’m a little nervous. It’s been so long since I’ve spoken to a Hawks’ general manager, I’m not sure what to ask.
6: News: MMA mutant Kimbo Slice used to be a street fighter and worked security in the porn industry. Question: Is that supposed to make him unusual for MMA?
5: The SEC announced a record $127.2 million from TV deals, bowls and championships. The conference’s 12 non-profits immediately announced plans to add practice fields, weight rooms and rotate months in a book-of-the-month club.
4: Kevin White left Notre Dame for the athletic director’s job at Duke, which means now he’ll answer to only Mike Krzyzewski.
3: There is a point at which a troubled athlete loses the benefit of the doubt. When Odell Thurman misses offseason works, his agent cites the grandmother’s death as an excuse and Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis responds, “His grandmother’s been buried for quite a while,” you know he’s lost that benefit.
2: It’s rarely worth mentioning attendance figures any more because they’re so often skewed by ticket giveaways and Pinocchios in the marketing department. But this is worth noting: According to an NHL memo obtained by the Toronto Star, the Thrashers’ ticket revenue this season averaged $550,000 per game. Only three teams - Phoenix ($450,000), Chicago and Florida ($500,000 per game) averaged less.
1: If this closer thing doesn’t work out, does John Smoltz come back as a middle reliever?
Permalink | Comments (56) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB, Hawks/NBA
Comments
By fieldofdreams
June 3, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
For god(dess) sake, why are the Braves wasting John Smoltz on this season? It’s just a matter of time before he does something awful to that golden arm. He’s not a bionic man, even though he makes twice what it cost to rebuild Steve Austin. Put the man on the shelf until next Spring, Bobby. He’s well past prime, and his days are numbered. Let’s save what’s left of him for a better team.
By Bryan G
June 3, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
1A. Georgia Tech’s baseball team played as though there was a big online Halo tournament this coming weekend that was more interesting than a Super Regional.
By Skydawg
June 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Smoltz blew only his 15th save opportunity in 169 attempts last night..lets turn him into a middle reliever. IDIOT!!!
By Bonnie
June 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
A wild one at Turner Field that’s for sure. Nice way to pull it out Braves. Smoltzy didn’t blow the save, your left fielder did on a routine ground ball. How come the pitcher gets the blame in that situation but when the defense makes the outs the pitcher gets the credit ? I truly never will understand that but I’m willing to listen to anything rational.
By Token Gringo
June 3, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Bobby won’t put Smoltz on the shelf because John’s probably going to hang it up after this year. I think the shoulder has finally gotten to him and he knows he can’t keep going forever in pain. I hope he can come back again for another year. John Smoltz is the kind of player that Atlanta should hang their hat on. One team for so many years, all the pain, comebacks, ups and downs, thank you John Smoltz.
By Skydawg
June 3, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
And fieldofdreams…Smoltz is only pitching because HE feels he can pitch and be effective. Not because Bobby or the front office want him to pitch. And Smoltz wouldn’t come back if he felt he was a liability to the team and he will be the first to put himself on the shelf if he’s not effective or feels he’s damaging his arm. He’s a warrior but is also a very intelligent guy and the team comes first to Smoltzie.
By Gary
June 3, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Why would STOCKMAN be sent down…3 outings were excellent…RING is certainly suspect….even tho left handed and out of options….the rest of the bull pen has been over used!!!!!
By Skydawg
June 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
And Bonnie, the save was blown once the batter got the base hit. The first run was going to score regardless. The 2nd run scored on the boot. But once the first run scored to tie the game, the save was blown. But I understand your confusion but its just the way baseball is scored. Whoever is the pitcher of record at the time gets the win, loss, save, blown save, loss.
By Jim H.
June 3, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
fieldofdreams, why are you writing off this season? we’re only 3.5 out, and with a good homestand (certainly possible), we could be knocking right at the door. There are not any dominant teams in the NL East this year….just four mediocre to pretty decent ones (and one bad one). If the Braves injury train would ever stop (or at least slow down), they could become a very good team quickly.
As for Smoltz, I’d say there is a real possibility this could be his last season, which might be why he’s making such an gallant effort. The man is a warrior, but how much pain can he take? I think Bobby doesn’t need to throw him right into the closer role, but instead work him in earlier in the game until he gets his new pitching style figured out.
By Ryder
June 3, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Jeff, do us a favor when you meet Sund today: ask him if he would’ve drafted Chris Paul or Marvin Williams? That should let you know what kind of GM we’re dealing with.
By Bonnie
June 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Thanks Skydawg. I do pretty good in baseball but some stuff boggles my mind lol. Anyway keep up the good work Braves.
By southga brave
June 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
What can anyone say about Smoltz, a true warrior. He never quits and is always at his best in the big games. If other players had as much heart and desire as him and played because of pride and enjoyment, the game would be much better. Stop playing just for the bucks. I would rather see guys like him and Glen Hubbard, than Barry Bonds any day. Hubbard didn’t have the most talent but was gritty and hustled his way to a very nice career. I take my hat off to players like Smoltz and to watch him over the years has been a pleasure. He deserves to go out the way he likes, winning!!! desire and pride is the way I will always remember him when he retires. I hope it is not soon but I think this is his last year. I hope he stays in the organization in some way.
By santa3247
June 3, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City Southkorea now.
John Smoltz!!”Old pitcher need plenty of warming-up your body more than the young before pitching you know well I think, so Veteran pitcher fit for starter. Don’t make down your right shoulder arm, ache? and make the throwing point to a little front of your face more than before.
You and Glavine and Hudson fans can trust only I think. In post-season, Joseph Reyes, Jorge Campilo, Jeff Bennett can’t help team, J.Jurjian I don’t know.
May the force of Messiah be with you
P.S: If you would meet me, don’t try to make promise with me, and just come to Pusan Airport and ride bus to Jinhae city and go to Jinhae New Police Office and just around APTs and think at least 5days, because short term visit can be deceived by Babylon through control of slaves around me. No familiy can help me. They can’t overcome Neutron and Babylon.^*^
SouthKorea is almost over. Don’t believe Media of Southkorea they are just playing to the order of Babylon.^^The daughter of ex-president Park Jung Hei can’t overcome neutron. You can’t believe her. Keep in mind. ^^
By santa3247
June 3, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City Southkorea now.
John Smoltz!!”Old pitcher need plenty of warming-up your body more than the young before pitching you know well I think, so Veteran pitcher fit for starter. Don’t make down your right shoulder arm, ache? and make the throwing point to a little front of your face more than before.
You and Glavine and Hudson fans can trust only I think. In post-season, Joseph Reyes, Jorge Campilo, Jeff Bennett can’t help team, J.Jurjian I don’t know.
May the force of Messiah be with you
P.S: If you would meet me, don’t try to make promise with me, and just come to Pusan Airport and ride bus to Jinhae city and go to Jinhae New Police Office and just around APTs and think at least 5days, because short term visit can be deceived by Babylon through control of slaves around me. No familiy can help me. They can’t overcome Neutron and Babylon.^*^
SouthKorea is almost over. Don’t believe Media of Southkorea they are just playing to the order of Babylon.^^The daughter of ex-president Park Jung Hei can’t overcome neutron. You can’t believe her. Keep in mind. ^^
Theseday my daily work
06:00~06:30 Waking up 06:30~07:30 Basketball at near park 07:30~08:00 Shower and cleaning etc 08:00~09:30 Praying for God and breakfast and NHK japanese hearing 09:30~15:00 around Going to park riding bicycle and studying English and Japanese. 15:00~16:00 Second meal and rest. 16:00~24:00 Flexible sleeping time unfixed. ^*^
By NS from Kennesaw
June 3, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Another nail bitting last night.
About Smoltz, I love the way he played. Never a question, he always gives it 200% when he’s out there. I have a lot of respect for the man. But, if his shoulder is less than comfortable and still needs to work on his new throwing touch, why put him in as a closer in a one run lead game?
From my personal view (as a fan who does not understand the unwritten rules and practice of the ball player or manager), in a one-run lead situation - pitching in the 7th, 8th or 9th should not be an issue to someone like Smoltz or Soriano - it is equally a closing situation. I would say last night could be better if it was Smoltz-Soriano-Acosta in the late innings. I’m sure Acosta knows in his heart that comparing to the 2 mega stars (3 including Gonzalez), once they are in the neighbourhood of their usual form, closer roles are theirs. Besides, it would be a great experience for Acosta for his future role with the Bravo.
One thing though, pitching would have been less of the issue if our offense is more patient in their AB from top -> bottom of the order. Again, I am no ball pleyer here but I don’t understand why our guys get too overly agressive and still swing at the first pitch or bad pitch with full count + bases loaded.
Anyway - still a Bravo fan …see you at the park tonight
By 'Bout Done
June 3, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
I love John Smoltz. He has been one of my most favorite all time Braves since the beginning of the Atlanta Braves. However, it is a pure shame to see John doing what he is doing now just to hang on. Changing arm angles. Blowing saves. Bum arm. First the elbow and now the shoulder. All those pitches for 20 years have caught up with his arm. I did not throw as many pitches as John and my arm was shot a lot sooner. I know how it feels to have a dead arm. I cannot throw a rock across the yard now. John should just retire and go play golf. It really hurts to watch him now. Please Johnny, just bow out with grace. Don’t bow out with a 6.66 ERA and 1-6 record and bum shoulder. WE love ya too much to watch this.
By Tomas
June 3, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Yesterday Smoltz proved that he hasn’t ajusted to this new delivery. Being a closer has isn’t easy, there is a lot of pressure, and you need to remember he hasn’t been a closure this last two years. I remember his first game back in the starters role, he got hit hard. I think he just needs a little bit of time adjusting to this new delivery, and being back in the bulpen. I think he shouldn’t be in the closure role yet.
By santa3247
June 3, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho, Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea now.
If you would meet me, don’t try to make promise with me, and just come to Pusan Airport and ride bus to Jinhae city and go to Jinhae New Police Office and just around APTs and think at least 5days, because short term visit can be deceived by Babylon through control of slaves around me. No familiy can help me. They can’t overcome Neutron and Babylon.^*^
SouthKorea is almost over. Don’t believe Media of Southkorea they are just playing to the order of Babylon.^^The daughter of ex-president Park Jung Hei can’t overcome neutron. You can’t believe her. Keep in mind. ^^
Theseday my daily work
06:00~06:30 Waking up 06:30~07:30 Basketball at near park 07:30~08:00 Shower and cleaning etc 08:00~09:30 Praying for God and breakfast and NHK japanese hearing 09:30~15:00 around Going to park riding bicycle and studying English and Japanese. 15:00~18:00 Second meal and rest. 18:00~24:00 Flexible sleeping time unfixed. ^*^
From past to now nobody met with me directly for important things.
May the force of Messiah be with you
By santa3247
June 3, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho, Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea now.
If you would meet me, don’t try to make promise with me, and just come to Pusan Airport and ride bus to Jinhae city and go to Jinhae New Police Office and just around APTs and think at least 5days, because short term visit can be deceived by Babylon through control of slaves around me. No familiy can help me. They can’t overcome Neutron and Babylon.^*^
SouthKorea is almost over. Don’t believe Media of Southkorea they are just playing to the order of Babylon.^^The daughter of ex-president Park Jung Hei can’t overcome neutron. You can’t believe her. Keep in mind. ^^
Theseday my daily work
06:00~06:30 Waking up 06:30~07:30 Basketball at near park 07:30~08:00 Shower and cleaning etc 08:00~09:30 Praying for God and breakfast and NHK japanese hearing 09:30~15:00 around Going to park riding bicycle and studying English and Japanese. 15:00~18:00 Second meal and rest. 18:00~24:00 Flexible sleeping time unfixed. ^*^
From past to now nobody met with me directly for important things.
May the force of Messiah be with you
By are you kidding me
June 3, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
I think people that cannot spell closer correctly are not qualified to comment on baseball.
By Freshmaker
June 3, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Smoltz will be fine. He was just amped up last night. You could see it from his expressions. He was throwing too hard (95!!) and that caused him to lose some of his control a bit. With his earlier throwing motion he was able to throw his split-finger fastball as his strikeout pitch. He can’t throw it from 3/4, so it’s going to be an adjustment for him. He’ll do just fine as the closer, just have to give him a few outings to get settled in. Hey, at least we won! That’s the important thing.
By Smilin' Bob
June 3, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
All Odell Thurman had to do to become the next Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher – and rich beyond his wildest dreams – was pull his head out of his keister. Guess it won’t budge.
Lindsay did indeed leave me for Big Brown, she said she relief from my big boost of confidence.
By Maniac is accurate
June 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Hey, ask Sund how quick he can get Flip Saunders signed to replace Woodson and add parenthetically (who made Terry Stotts look like Red Auerbach).
By Nasty
June 3, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Seong-Ho, Yoon —
Get a job.
By Maniac is accurate
June 3, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Not to be all anti-Christmas and everything, but is there any chance of yanking Santa’s posts when he gets all repeatie that way?
By Tom Glavine
June 3, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Smoltzy needs to retire. Love the guy, but to be honest, if I can win more games than him, he needs to go.
See you on the course John.
By Smooth
June 3, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Please tell me what is up with Mike Hampton? Why is he still in the dugout?
By Kev
June 3, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Smoltz will be fine people he just got back a little shakey. Dont think he can be the closer thou. Set man for Sorano or Accosta. Smoltz still knows how to pitch. He should be able to get by until he have surgery in the off season. I feel he could pitch in the pin one more year before hanging it up.
By bravesfan2008
June 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz is one of the top three classiest Braves ever to play. Dale Murphy and Hammering Hank are the other two, and Eddie M. is close behind - Chippa has a ways to go. At his worse, he is still twice the pitchers who even tried to close this year. Thanks Smoltzy, and God speed what ever road you choose.
By Bravesfan79
June 3, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is my favorite Brave ever. And i believe he can make it thru this season, and be a very good closer next season as well.
By gspot
June 3, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Bonnie; there is no such thing as a ‘routine ground ball to an outfielder’. That is called a base hit. And yes, the fielder compounded things, but I believe the closer’s job is to avoid letting them get the hit in the first place.
By Jim
June 3, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Instead of moving Smoltzy to a different role, the AJC needs to move you to a different role. Please fire ASAP! Smoltzy is still the man and will get it done at any cost. We need him!
By Danny
June 3, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
This was the first time Smoltz has faced big leaguers with that new arm angle. It’s still a work in progress. He can’t throw the same pitches as he used to be able to (lost his devastating split finger), so he’s gotta figure out exactly what he can throw. Give him a couple days. He’s one of the best pitchers the game has ever seen. That was only the 15th blown save of his career. Lighten up people. Anyways, there was speculation at the beginning of the year that both Glavine and Smoltzy would retire at the end of the year. If that’s the case, you can see why Smoltz is pushing himself so hard to come back. Smoltz suggested the move to the bullpen, not the Braves. He’s trying to help the team for one more run to the World Series. His arm is just about done. He knows that, and so he’s trying to get the last ounces of glory out of it.
By Gene
June 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I would not count Smoltz out. He will know when it is time to quit, and he will go out gracefully. He would make a great announcer, and I hope the Braves are smart enough to make that move.
By Jim
June 3, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Tom Glavine,
You can’t win more games than Smoltzy. You are going to get 1 million per win this year. It makes me sick to watch you miss belt high all the time.
By Ted Striker
June 3, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Odell was in trouble when word got out he was “making it rain” down at the Cheetah instead of mourning for granny.
As for Smoltz, if this doesn’t pan out, he changes jersey numbers and comes back as Craig McMurtry.
By Bob Sacamano
June 3, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Lindsey Lohan can’t be dating Big Brown.
Haven’t you heard? She’s now entered her “College Lesbian” phase, well, except she’s not in college. But she’s the target age, I guess.
By MsDee
June 3, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Jeff, ask him would he consider trading Marvin,Salim,& Zaza for Ben Gordon to bkup Joe Johnson!! Also to get a bkup for Al Horford!! Thx!!
By igotxx3
June 3, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
trade marvin williams for rasheed wallace
By igotxx3
June 3, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
trade marvin williams for rasheed wallace
By igotxx3
June 3, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
trade marvin williams for rasheed wallace
By Peachtree John
June 3, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
How about asking if there is any interest in the recently fired Piston’s coach.
By Joe
June 3, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
How does Woody believe he deserves to return after Detroit let go of Flip who has done a lot more than Woody has ever done with a team. Does Detroit fans deserve a winning team while we in the ATL deserve what Woody brings to the table. I hope the new GM do the right thing and send Mike packing, if worst come to worst hire the assistance coach, he seem to do outstanding during the summer league games!
By JL
June 3, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
JEFF - Ask Rick these questions: 1. How will you deal with the constant intervention of the ownership group in everything you try to do?
What is your plan to take this team to the next level? (past the first round of the playoffs)
What impact will the possible loss of the Belkin lawsuit have on your ability to accomplish #2 above.
How will you deal with the local media and fans when it comes to the possible loss of players they see as “key” to a winning franchise?
Can’t wait to see the answers!
By SQUAWKER
June 4, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
ASK SUND….
How many hours of 2007 Hawks basketball has he watched to get a feel for this team. If he has watched what a GM should to familiarize himself with a new team, he will have seen enough to know Woody doesn’t deserve to come back.
On that note, see if you can’t get a feeling for what he will do as far as a potential contract extension for Woody or if he will go in another direction.
Find out if we are going to be bring DAVID ANDERSEN over from Moskow in the Euro-league. Many Hawks fans were under the impression that he already had a contract worked out but Sund said something that would indicate differently in a recent interview I read. Tell him the time to bring him over is now!
Ask what specific positions/roles he feels this team is lacking and what he means to do to remedy that.
Find out about the financial commitment Sund feels like he can get from the ASG. Is the “ownership mess” affecting operations as far as making transactions from his perspective?
Find out specifics about what the latest is regarding the re-signing of BOTH Joshes. When will we know something concrete?
Do we plan to try to acquire a pick in the draft this summer?
How active do we anticipate being in the FA market?
and yada, yada, yada…..
Get it done, Schultzie!!!!
By Coach (Braves to the playoffs in 2008)
June 4, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this
John Smoltz has the heart, guts, desire and willingness to do whatever he can to help the Braves win. I have enjoyed watching his career since he joined the Braves in 1987 and I’m sure he is on his way to Cooperstown.
That said, If he is unavailable to pitch day to day as a relief pitcher because of his shoulder, I think he should go ahead and retire. The man has done enough, I certainly don’t want to see him tear up his arm any worse than it already is.
By D.Ellis
June 4, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
On one table 47 million in cash.
On the other table 47 baggies of a controled substance and 47 blunts.
Come to Butthead.
What an idiot.
By D.Ellis
June 4, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
Mr. Schultz-Please ask Mr. Sund what he plans on doing with the contract of Speedy Claxton.
How aggressive are we going to be in the FA market?
How important is signing both Smith and Childress?
What do you think of Dalembert of the Sixers and would you be intrested in seeking his services?
Is Bibby in the long term plans at PG?
Does Billy Knight have more Forwards stored away in his office closet?
What additions/subtractions do you think can be made to this roster that would take them from the 8th seed to the top 4 seeds?
By MsDee
June 4, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Most of yall questions are answered on Hawks.com already..
By Yehuda Hamer
June 4, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
All beginnings are hard. Smoltzie’s first bullpen appearances wasn’t great. His first start the Marlins rocked him. Although Smoltzie’s delivery is different, it will take time.
By Hunk for Hawks
June 4, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Flip Saunders is available
By RA
June 4, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
My first question to Mr. Sund would be how much money is ownership willing to dedicate to making Atlanta an “elite” team. Last time I checked, those don’t come cheap…
By Brian
June 4, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Schultz,
You don’t know what to ask Sund because you’re a hack, just like Bradley and Moore. Leave the Hawks coverage to Sekou.
B
By Mark
June 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
This has to be the worst article you have ever written. Shooting horses is a joke? John Smoltz after all he has accomplished is a joke?
By Reality Check
June 4, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Ask Sund why it’s so easy for good coaches (with good winning records) to get fired a few days after the season is done for their team. And we’re sitting here still dragging feet over a losing less than below average coach!!!
By Reality Check
June 4, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Ask Sund why it’s so easy for good coaches with good winning records to get fired a few days after the season is done for their team. And we’re sitting here still dragging feet over a losing less than below average coach!!!